Uncoil: meaning, definitions and examples

When referring to something that was previously coiled or spiraled, like a rope or a snake.

• The snake started to uncoil as it prepared to move.
• She slowly uncoiled the garden hose.

When referring to relaxing after a period of stress or tension, or when unwinding something rolled or wound up, like a spool of thread or a clock spring.

• After work, he likes to unwind by watching TV.
• She carefully unwound the thread from the spool.

When something is twisted and needs to be straightened out, like a wire or a twisted piece of fabric.

• He had to untwist the wires before making the connection.
• She untwisted the tie before ironing it.

Best used when describing the action of a coiled object straightening out. Often used in a physical sense, like with springs, ropes, or snakes.

• The snake began to uncoil from its resting position.
• He had to uncoil the rope before using it.

Commonly used when referring to setting something or someone free from confinement, restraint, or another form of holding. Can also be used to describe making something available to the public, like a product or information.

• They decided to release the prisoner after evidence proved his innocence.
• The company will release the new software update next week.

Typically used to describe the process of relaxing after a period of stress or activity. It can also mean to untangle or straighten out something that is wound up.

• After a long day at work, she likes to unwind with a good book.
• He unwound the tangled wires carefully.